"Turning the Tide:
How the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is Steering Towards a Greener Future"
Every year, the tranquil Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala, transforms into a vibrant tapestry of tradition and athleticism during the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. This iconic event, inaugurated in 1952 during the visit of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, has become a cherished tradition for locals and a must-see spectacle for visitors. With the backdrop of the serene lake and the fierce competition on the water, it’s a celebration that captivates the heart and soul.
But as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race continues to attract larger and more enthusiastic crowds, it faces a growing challenge – waste management. The influx of attendees, food stalls, and festivities inevitably leads to a significant amount of waste. That’s where the Alappuzha Municipality and the TAGS Forum stepped in, working hand in hand to conduct a comprehensive waste audit. The goal? To understand, manage, and transform the waste generated during this cultural extravaganza.
Waste Collection: Where it All Begins
Picture this: around 2 lakh people gathered to witness the boat races. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, but it also means a lot of waste. To tackle this challenge head-on, the Alappuzha Municipality devised a strategic plan. They strategically placed bins for collecting organic and inorganic waste along the routes leading to the event and within the venue itself.
But it takes more than bins to keep things clean. A dedicated team of over 200 individuals, spread across different groups, played a pivotal role in collecting and monitoring waste. They weren’t just picking up litter; they were encouraging attendees to dispose of their waste responsibly.
To combat plastic waste, a bold move was made – a ban on plastic bottles within the event premises. Attendees carrying plastic bottles had to pay a nominal fee of Rs. 10. The catch? They would get their money back if they returned the bottle with a special sticker. It was a clear message: the event was committed to responsible waste management and environmental sustainability.
A Methodical Waste Audit Approach
Understanding the problem is the first step in solving it. That’s why the waste audit for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race followed a structured methodology. It all began with pre-audit planning and data collection. The team visited the event venue, conducted surveys at nearby shops, and gathered essential information to anticipate the types of waste likely to be generated.
The audit unfolded in a sequence of stages:
Waste Collection: During the event, waste collection primarily relied on strategically positioned bins provided by the municipality. However, it was observed that a significant amount of waste still ended up on the ground. To address this, members of the HKS and sanitation workers, as per the guidance of the municipality, diligently cleaned the venue grounds.
Sorting of Waste: The initial sorting of waste happened on-site at the event venue. Subsequently, the gathered waste was transported to the material collection facility at Alissery, where further sorting took place. The goal was to achieve clear segregation between organic and inorganic waste streams, with a special focus on differentiating plastic bottles from other plastic waste materials.
Weighing and Verification: After sorting, each type of waste was weighed, and the respective weights were meticulously recorded. This step involved cross-referencing the sorted waste types with the anticipated waste categories, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
The Audit Unveils Insights
The waste audit revealed a diverse array of waste types generated and collected during the event. These included food waste, plastic bottles, various plastic materials, and paper waste, among others. Surprisingly, a significant number of discarded hand fans, made from either plastic or paper, were also found strewn across the venue.
One concerning observation was the improper disposal of plastic bottles, with some even ending up in the lake. These bottles were swiftly collected and transported to the material collection facility for appropriate handling. It was clear that a substantial portion of the waste originated from the consumables brought to the event venue by attendees.
The quantities of each waste type collected during the event were meticulously documented, providing a clear visual representation of the waste composition and their respective percentages. The distribution was further depicted in pie charts, making it easier to grasp.
Figure 1. Composition of sorted waste materials
Taking Action: Waste Management Strategies
With data in hand, it was time to turn insights into action. Different waste types required different management strategies:
- Food Waste: Food waste generated at the event venue was directed to an aerobic composting bin located within the Alissery aerobic unit. After a designated composting period, the resultant compost would undergo testing to determine its suitability as a viable organic fertilizer.
- Plastic Waste: In alignment with responsible waste management, plastic bottles generated at the venue were earmarked for recycling. This strategy aimed to divert plastic waste from landfills and environmental pollution. Similarly, the remaining plastic waste, excluding certain rejected items, were also directed for recycling.
- Paper Waste: Unexpected rain during the event caused paper waste to dampen and transition into a semi-pulp state. Unfortunately, this transformation rendered the paper waste unsuitable for recycling, resulting in its disposal.
Certain items within the collected waste were deemed non-recyclable and subsequently rejected, while others were successfully recycled or composted. It was a step towards responsible waste management.
Measuring Success: The Diversion Rate
The Waste Diversion Rate serves as a crucial indicator of how effectively waste is redirected away from landfills or dumpsites and towards more sustainable pathways, like recycling and composting. During the event, a total waste of 2090 kg was generated. Out of this, 1390 kg of waste were successfully diverted from ending up in landfills or dumpsites. This translated to a calculated Waste Diversion Rate of 66.5%.
Figure 2. Composition of waste materials: divertible vs. non divertible
This rate signifies substantial progress in diverting waste away from landfills, reducing the strain on natural resources, and mitigating pollution. However, it also serves as a benchmark for future improvements in waste management strategies.
Recommendations for a Greener Future
The waste audit not only provided insights but also paved the way for recommendations to enhance waste management practices for future editions of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. These recommendations aim to:
- Collaborate with Vendors for Sustainable Packaging: Encourage vendors and food stalls to use eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging materials.
- Enhanced Bin Placement and Monitoring: Strategically position waste bins at high-traffic areas, and regularly monitor them to ensure efficient waste segregation.
- Promote Sustainable Hydration: Advocate for the use of reusable water bottles and establish refill stations with bulk dispensers.
- Strictly Enforce Plastic Bans: Strengthen the ban on plastic bottles within the event premises and continue charging a nominal fee for those carrying plastic bottles.
- Waste-Specific Bin Placement: Provide separate bins for each specific waste type to facilitate precise waste sorting.
- Clear Signage and Color Coding: Accompany each waste bin with clear signage and color coding for easy waste disposal.
- Reusable Utensil Rentals: Offer the option to rent reusable utensils, plates, and cups to reduce single-use waste from food consumption.
- Engage Waste Management Teams: Increase the number of waste management personnel to ensure continuous monitoring and assistance in waste segregation.
- Pre-Event Communication and Education: Disseminate information to attendees about responsible waste management and the event’s commitment to minimizing waste generation.
Conclusion: A Greener Tomorrow
In conclusion, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race isn’t just a celebration of tradition; it’s an opportunity to embrace environmental sustainability. The comprehensive waste audit provides a foundation for future editions to build upon, striving for higher waste diversion rates and minimizing the event’s waste footprint.
By collectively adopting these recommendations and working together, event organizers, attendees, and stakeholders can ensure that the Nehru Trophy Boat Race remains a symbol of Kerala’s rich heritage while also serving as a model for responsible waste management and environmental stewardship. It’s a journey towards a brighter, greener future – one that celebrates tradition and embraces sustainability in equal measure.
The next time you witness the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, you’ll not only be cheering for the rowers but also for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
